Abstract
We demonstrate that the resonant tunnel current through a double-barrier structure is sensitive to the capture of single photoexcited holes by an adjacent layer of quantum dots. This phenomenon could allow the detection of single photons with low dark count rates and high quantum efficiencies. The magnitude of the sensing current may be controlled via the thickness of the tunnel barriers. Larger currents give improved signal to noise and allow sub- photon time resolution.
- Received 10 June 2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.067401
©2005 American Physical Society